Energy company consults Native American tribe on wind farm

Native American tribes are consulting with an energy company on a proposed wind farm in southern North Dakota.

More than 120 wind turbines are proposed in Emmons and Logan counties. The Bismarck Tribune reports that leaders with the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe recently worked with NextEra Energy to identify and protect cultural resources in the area.

A tribal official says the efforts could serve as a model for other infrastructure projects.

NextEra spokesman Steve Stengel says the company reached out to five tribes and other stakeholders in the early stages of the 300-megawatt project. Stengel says the company’s approach is standard for NextEra.

The farm project has yet to be proposed to the North Dakota Public Service Commission, but it’s expected to begin in 2019.